Wisteria (藤 – fuji) are blooming in Japan, so people are starting their weekend with beautifully presented mochi (もち), glutenous rice with sweet beans. It goes perfectly with powdered green tea (抹茶 – matcha).

During this off-the-wall Japanese festival, walking minstrels were collecting money for the victims of the Great Tohoku Earthquake.

It was rather sublime, listening to this lone saxophone while taking in cherry blossoms (sakura).

Basically what we have here are some Japanese “hoods” having a great time spitting on carp (coy fish).

First off, the term “yankee” in Japanese (ヤンキー) stands for “delinquents” or “hoods”. They’re part of a subculture of delinquency that includes the likes of bosozoku and chinpira. Basically, the subculture resists the rules of society, opting instead to act out, or irreverently in public, following their own rules or code instead.

They sometimes try to play on Japanese society’s tolerance to gain pity or support, as if they’re disadvantaged in some unfair way, or looked down upon for reasons beyond their control.

Here’s a popular manga title here. And here’s a cheesy clip titled “Chimpira” that’ll give you an idea.